The Hidden Heritage of Western India (15 Nights

Eternal Journeys India!
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E-mail : [email protected] E-mail : www.eternaljourneys.in
The Hidden Heritage of Western India (15 Nights/16 Days)
Less Visited Treasures of Gujarat and Rajasthan
Arrive Delhi (Fly) / Ahmedabad (01 Night) - Little Rann of Kutch (01 Night) - Bhuj (02 Nights) - Gondal (01
Night) - Sasangir (01 Night) - Diu (01 Night) - Bhavnagar (01 Night) - Ahmedabad (01 Night) - Udaipur (02
Nights) - Jodhpur (01 Night) - Jaisalmer (02 Nights) - Manvar (01 Night) – Fly Jodhpur / Delhi
Day 01/ Arrive Delhi, Stay in transit and flight to Ahmedabad
Arrive in Delhi, the capital city of India, at its international airport. Greeted by our staff and assisted for
onward flight to Ahmedabad. Arrival at Ahmedabad and transfer to your hotel for the overnight stay.
Ahmedabad is divided by the Sabarmati River into two distinct regions. The eastern bank of the river
houses the old city, which includes the central town of Bhadra and is characterized by packed bazaars, a
system of close clustered buildings, numerous places of worship and a few buildings of the Muzaffarid and
British eras. The western part of the city houses educational institutions, modern buildings, residential
areas, shopping malls, multiplexes and new businesses. Early in the city's history, under Ahmed Shah,
builders fused Hindu craftsmanship with Persian architecture, giving rise to the Indo-Saracenic style. The
city was at the forefront of the Indian independence movement in the first half of the 20th century and
was the centre of many campaigns of civil disobedience to promote workers' rights, civil rights, and
political independence.
Overnight stay at your Hotel (Ahmedabad, 01 night)
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Day 02/ Ahmedabad to Little Rann of Kutch (240 kms/06 Hours)
After early Breakfast, drive to Bajana (in Little Rann of Kutch), enroute visiting Modhera and Patan.
The Sun Temple of Modhera is one of the finest examples of Indian temple architecture of its period built
in 1026 A.D., the temple is dedicated to the SUN GOD, Surya and stands high on a plinth overlooking a
deep, stone–stepped tank. Also visit enroute, the Patan, an ancient Hindu capital before it was sacked by
Muhamud of Ghazni in 1024. Now a pale shadow of its former self, it still has over 100 Jain temples and is
famous for the manufacture of beautifully designed Patola silk saris. Rani Ki Vav, although one might not
think that a well for fetching water is a notable attraction to an old and dusty city, but the example here is
quite worth a look. With ground water located so deep in the desert soil, water sources were found only
by digging deep wells. Built in 1050, the well in Patan was covered over in local silt for centuries, only to
be uncovered in the 1980s and restored, making it one of the most well preserved of its type in the
country. After the visit drive to Bajana. On arrival check-in into your hotel.
Overnight stay at the Hotel (Bajana, 01 night)
Day 03/ Little Rann of Kutch to Bhuj (255 Kms/06 Hours)
Enjoy an early safari to The Little Rann of Kutch which covers an area of roughly 5,000 square km,
primarily known as the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, as well as a tour of local villages. It is the largest
wildlife sanctuary in India. The wildlife sanctuary was established in 1972 and came under the Wildlife
Protection Act of 1973. The sanctuary is one of the last places on earth where the endangered wild ass
sub-species, the Indian Wild Ass, exist and a safari through the sanctuary in the Little Rann of Kutch is a
unique experience. A safari through this region gives one a chance to come face to face with a wide
variety of birds and other wildlife. Later drive to Bhuj enroute visit Damadka, famous for textiles and
‘Dhamadka’ prints.
Overnight stay at the hotel (Bhuj, 02 nights)
Day 04/ Day excursion to Banny Village
After Breakfast in the hotel, visit Banny villages, well known for their beautiful embroideries and colourful
traditional culture. See the various tribal peoples like Jat, Harijan, Meghawal, Mutva, Ahir and Rabaris etc.,
in various villages with their unique identities like Hodka, Ludiya, and Dhordo. Banny, the last village on
the border, is a desert land. Here you will come across master craftspeople repositioning their traditional
art, creating their masterpieces every day. Their ornaments, clothes, utensils, everyday objects, tie and
dye using wool and silk, are all very popular. Evening return to the Bhuj and stay overnight.
Overnight stay at the Hotel
Day 05/ Bhuj to Gondal (280 kms/07 Hours)
After Breakfast drive to Rajkot and take the local sightseeing including the Watson Museum & Library in
the Jubilee Gardens commemorates Colonel John Watson a Political Agent from 1886-89. The entrance is
flanked by two imperial lions and among the exhibits are copies of artefacts from Mohenjodaro, 13th
century carvings, silverware, natural history exhibits and textiles as well as dioramas of local Tribal
costumes and housing styles. Perhaps the most stiking piece is a huge marble statue of Queen Victoria
seated on a throne. Later visit the Kaba Gandhi no Delo the house where Gandhi ji grew up. Later proceed
to Gondal.
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Overnight stay at the hotel (Gondal, 01 night)
Day 06/ Gondal to Sasangir (130 kms/03 Hours)
After Breakfast visit the Navlakha Palace, the oldest existing palace in Gondal, dating back to the 17th
century. It has legendary stone carvings with exquisite "jharokhas" (balconies), a fabulous pillared
courtyard, delicately carved arches, and a unique spiral staircase. The large chandelier-lit "durbar" hall
(court house) witnesses stuffed panthers, gilt wooden furniture, and antique mirrors. The Private palace
museum displays an impressive display of silver caskets which were in the services of carrying messages
and gifts for Maharajah Bhagwat Sinhji on his silver jubilee as ruler of Gondal.
Continue drive to Sasangir, en-route visiting Junagadh which includes Uparkot Fort. Located on a plateau
in the middle of town, this immense fort was originally built in 319 BCE by Chandragupta and remained in
use for 1000 years until the 6th century when it was covered over for 300 years. Ashoka Rocks, carved into
a large boulder nearby to the Uperkot Fort, these 14 sacred inscriptions carry Brahmi script and date back
to 250 BCE. Literally translated, Junagadh means "Old Fort". The city is famous for its type of food known
as Kathiyawadi, characterized by vegetarian meals that are hot, spicy and salty. Given that the city was
ruled by Muslim Nawab before the independence, the overall culture of Junagarh is blend of both Hindu
and Muslim communities. After visit continue drive to Sasangir, on arrival check-in into your hotel.
Overnight stay at the hotel (Sasangir, 01 night)
Day 07/ Sasangir to Diu (95 kms/ 03 Hours)
After Breakfast at the hotel, proceed for Safari at the Gir National Park, comprised of 1412 sq km of
deciduous forest interspersed with semi-evergreen and evergreen flora, acacia, scrub jungle, grasslands
and rocky hills. Fed by perennial and seasonal rivers and streams, the sanctuary has large water bodies
like the Kamleshwar Dam that are good for crocodiles and birds.
Continue drive to Diu and upon arrival check in at your hotel. Diu, a laid-back beach town was the first
landing point for the Parsis when fed from Persia, although they stayed only three years. Like Daman and
Goa Diu was also a Portuguese colony until it was taken over by India in 1961.
Overnight stay at your hotel (Diu, 01 night)
Day 08/ Diu to Bhavnagar (255 kms/06 Hours)
Morning take the sightseeing of Diu, including the Diu Fort, which commands a magnificent view of the
sea. It was constructed between 1535 and 1541 AD. The fort is skirted by the Sea on the three sides and
contains a giant Light House. Further also visit St Paul Church & Nagoa Beach. Diu also came under the
control of the Portuguese colonists in early 16th century.
Late continue drive to Palitana Jain Temple (reached by over 3500 stairs), located on Mount Shatrunjaya.
The city of the same name, known previously as Padliptapur, has been nicknamed "City of Temples". As
the temple-city was built to be an abode for the divine, no one is allowed to stay overnight, including the
priests. Every Jain believes that a visit to this group of temples is essential once in a life time to achieve
nirvana or salvation. Guests are welcome to make use of the carried chair lifts (Doli) to get to the top.
After the visit, drive to Bhavnagar. On arrival check-in into your hotel.
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Overnight stay at your hotel (Palitana, 01 night)
Day 09/ Bhavnagar to Ahmedabad (200 kms/06 Hours)
After Breakfast in the morning, proceed to Ahmedabad en-route visit Lothal (an Archeological Site).
Lothal is the excavated Harappan site dating as far back as the 2nd millennium BC Archaeologists have
discovered a well planned city here, 1.75 kms long and 400 meters wide, sub-divided into blocks with
rows of houses. Each house had its own bathroom and the water outlet from the baths was connected to
the city's channel of underground drainage system. Lothal was discovered in 1954 and till today it is the
largest and the only full-fledged Harappan town in India, though a few other minor sites have also been
excavated. A unique discovery of Lothal is a dockyard - 216 m long and 35 m wide, with a 5 m high wall.
Goods like beads, stone blades and other products manufactured here were exported. There is evidence
to prove that the people of Lothal had commercial links with Mesopotamia (Iraq) and Egypt.
Overnight stay at your hotel (Ahmedabad, 01 night)
Day 10/ Ahmedabad to Udaipur (252 kms/06 Hours)
After Breakfast enjoy half day sightseeing tour of Ahmedabad, visiting Sabarmati Ashram which is located
on the banks of the river, this peaceful retreat bears great significance as the headquarters for Mahatma
Gandhi and his movement of independence for India in the early 20th century, Calico Museum of Textile
(With Prior Permission) is a finest examples of ancient and modern Indian fabrics. Visit Hate Singh Jain
Temple, elegant temple created out of white marble has been sacred to many Jain families, generation
after generation. It was built in 1848 A.D. at an estimated cost of 10 lakh (1,000,000) rupees by a rich
merchant Sheth Hutheesing as a dedication to the 15th Jain tirthankar, Shri Dharmanatha.
Afterwards continue drive to Udaipur. On arrival check-in into your hotel.
Overnight stay at your hotel (Udaipur, 02 nights)
Day 11/ Sightseeing tour in Udaipur
After breakfast, proceed on a sightseeing tour of Udaipur. Drive around Fatehsagar Lake, built by
Maharana Fateh Singh in 1754 AD. Visit Jagdish Temple, the largest and the most venerated temple of
Udaipur. Further on, continue to Garden of Maidens – ‘Sahelion-Ki-Bari’, consisting of an ornamental pool
with delicately carved ‘chhatries’ (umbrellas) of black and white marble and soft stone. Also, tour the
Maharana's City Palace, an imposing edifice of granite and marble. In the evening, enjoy a boat ride on
Lake Pichola, taking in the brilliant scenery of hills, temples and palaces surrounding it. After a memorable
day of sightseeing, return to your hotel and spend the night.
Overnight stay at your hotel
Day 12/ Udaipur to Jodhpur (248 kms/06 Hours)
After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur, en-route visiting Ranakpur (city of temples). Ranakpur has one of the
most spectacularly Jain Temple in India. Spread over 48,000 sq. ft. this temple stands on over 1,444
intricately carved pillars, and if you observe carefully, no two pillars are alike! Believed to be built in the
15th Century, this temple offers an engrossing sight of beautifully carved cupolas, shikhara and turrets.
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Afterwards continue to the Bishnoi villages. The Bishnois are one of the different communities
of Rajasthan, who are famous for their rich cultural Rajasthani life and are true lovers for nature and
animals.
Continue drive to Jodhpur, the 2nd largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Jodhpur set at the edge of
the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the vastness of the desert.
Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha- chief of the Rathore clan
of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama – the epic hero of the Ramayana. The city is known as
the "Sun City" for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys year around.
Overnight stay at your hotel (Jodhpur, 01 night)
Day 13/ Sightseeing tour in Jodhpur, Drive to Jaisalmer (300 Kms/06 Hours)
After Breakfast in the hotel, visit the 5 km long majestic Mehrangarh fort on 125 m high hill is one of the
most impressive and formidable structures. Although invincible from the outside, the fort has four gates
approached by a winding road. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with marvelously carved
panels, latticed windows and evocative names. Noteworthy of these are the Moti Mahal, the Phool
Mahal, The Sheesh Mahal, the Sileh Khana and the Daulat Khana. Other monuments to be visited are
Jaswant Thada - a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in 1899 A.D. in memory of Maharaja
Jaswant Singh II. By afternoon we continue drive to Jaisalmer. On arrival check in to your hotel.
Overnight stay at your hotel (Jaisalmer, 02 nights)
Day 14/ Sightseeing tour in Jaisalmer
After breakfast, continue on a sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer. Morning visit the Jaisalmer Fort, one of the
largest forts in the world. It was built in 1156 AD by the Bhati Rajput ruler Rao Jaisal, from where it derives
its name. Also visit Sonar Fort, housing a fourth of the city’s residents. Patwon Ki Haveli, which is one of
the most exquisite havelis (palaces) with a beautifully latticed façade. Salim Singh Ki Haveli is just three
centuries old and is still lived in. Then there is Nathmalji Ki Haveli that was built by two architect brothers.
In the afternoon, we take a Camel ride in Sam (45 kms) to witness the sunset over sand dunes.
Evening return to your hotel.
Overnight stay at your hotel
Day 15/ Jaisalmer to Manvar (170 kms/ 04 Hours)
After breakfast, drive to Manvar, an ideal place to explore Indian desert life, culture, wildlife and
landscape of breathtaking beauty. It offers a vibrant and contrasting desert experience.
Enjoy staying at traditional desert village style with eco-friendly innovations with the desert environment,
local exploration and an evening jeep/camel ride into the local villages.
Overnight stay at your Camp (Manvar, 01 night)
Day 16/ Manvar to Jodhpur Airport (Flight back to Delhi)
After early Breakfast in the Camp, drive to Jodhpur airport for your flight to Delhi and onward
international flights.
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Program: National Geographic Special - 2014 (15 Nights/ 16 Days)
Cities
Superior/Heritage Hotels
Ahmedabad
Four Points by Sheraton-01 night
http://www.fourpoints.com/ahmedabad
Little Rann of Kutch
Royal Safari Camp-01 night
http://www.royalsafaricamp.in/
Bhuj
Kutch Safari Lodge-02 nights
http://www.kutchsafaribhuj.com/
Gondal
Riverside Palace-01 night
http://www.gondalpalaces.com/riverside.html
Sasangir
The Fern Gir Forest Resort-01 night
http://www.ferngirforestresort.com/
Diu
Radhika Beach Resort-01 night
http://www.radhikaresort.com
Bhavnagar
Nilambagh Palace–01 night
http://nilambagpalace.com/
Ahmedabad
Four Points by Sheraton-01 night
http://www.fourpoints.com/ahmedabad
Udaipur
The Rajputana–02 nights
http://www.justahotels.com/rajputana.php
Jodhpur
Ranbanka Palace-01 night
http://www.ranbankahotels.com
Jaisalmer
Fort Rajwada-02 nights
http://fortrajwada.com/
Manvar
Manvar Desert Camp & Resort-01 night
http://www.manvar.com/
India TOUR COST… Half-board basis (Breakfast + Dinner)
* Valid Oct-Nov 2014 * In US Dollars
* Per person / Twin-Double share basis
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Minimum no. of pax
10 Pax
Tour Cost
USD 2812
Eternal Journeys India
REMARKS
All our prices are in US Dollars, with current Rate of Exchange being considered to prepare the aforesaid
Quotation.
Our Prices are Nett payable.
The Meals would start with Breakfast on the Day 02 of the tour.
The Meals would end with the Breakfast on the last day i.e. day of final departure.
Check-in & Check-out is 12’noon. However we do put a request on behalf of the, and do our best to get the
Early check-in and Late check-out. But that remains at the discretion of the particular hotel, and only
known at the last minute.
:: Tour Inclusions::
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Accommodation based on Twin/Double sharing basis. (Supplement to be advised on request).
Daily Breakfast & Dinners at the hotels but at Two places i.e. Little Rann of Kutch and Sasangir, your All
Meals are included.
All Transfers, Sightseeing tours, Excursions and Inter-city drives will be by an air-conditioned vehicle
(18 Seater Deluxe Mini Coach).
Road / Toll / Interstate Taxes, Parking Fee, Fuel Charges and Driver’s allowance etc.
Entry fee to all the sightseeing places & Sasangir National Park, as per the programme.
Services of local English speaking Escort, from arrival at Ahmedabad till departure at Jodhpur.
Meeting & Assistance at all the airports.
01 Jeep safari each, at Little Rann of Kutch and Sasangir.
02 bottles of Mineral water for each person, per day.
Flights between Delhi-Ahmedabad & Jodhpur-Delhi, Economy Class fares.
Highlights of the Trip:
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DELHI: Traditional welcome on arrival with flowers.
PALITANA: Doli (Lift chairs) arrangements at Jain Temples.
UDAIPUR: Boat ride at the Lake Pichola.
JODHPUR: Jeep ride to Bishnoi Villages.
JAISALMER: Camel ride in the Sam to witness the Sunset over dunes.
MANVAR: Jeep/Camel rides to the nearby villages.
: Non – Inclusions:
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International flight.
Visa Fee for India & Airport taxes.
Expense of personal nature like laundry, telephone calls, fax services, beverages (even during meals),
camera fee and video charges at monuments.
Tips or Gratuities to Guides, Drivers or at the Restaurants. Porterage (for baggage handling) at the
hotels & airports.
Insurances of any kind relating to Trip (Delay or Cancellation), Baggage (Lost or Damaged) and Medical
(Medication, Consultation or Hospitalisation).
All services which are not mentioned in the “Trip Inclusions”.
:: Some important notes:
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Ours is very different country than your country in every respect. While we have some of the best
hotels in the world, the road conditions, transport as well as domestic flights cannot be compared with
those in your countries. The average speed on roads in India is 40-50 Km. per hour.
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We are a country of over 100 million people and there is an emerging traffic of domestic travelers. It
means that late and last minute bookings may place us in long waiting lists – especially on domestic
flights / trains – and the reservation may not confirm at all. So we request for reservations well in
advance enable us to serve you better.
Our rates only include those items which are specified in the Itinerary / Inclusions.
Domestic flights / trains in India suffer constant modifictions/ delays and cancellations. In such cases,
we will do all possible to look for the best available alternative / solution but will not accept any
responsisiblity whatsoever.
The prevailing check-in/out time in India is 12’Noon, however some hotels may differ which will be
brought to your notice separately.
The cost has been calculated on the existing tariffs / conditions and incase of any currency fluctuations
or amendment in local Government taxes, or any fuel hike, we reserve the right to revise the tour price
accordingly.
Our quotations are calculated on Base category of accommodation at each property and are subject to
modification, if the same hotel / category of room are not available at the time of reservation. Then we
will confirm the superior category of room (or an alternate place) and shall advise the supplement
charges (if applicable) accordingly.
Upgrade from Base category to Higher-category rooms can also be done separately, in case of
important clients.
Few hotels do not have the Extra Beds, and in lieu of them provide the Roll Away Beds / or Mattresses.
There is always a shortage of Twin Rooms at hotels around India, and we can be provided with an
Extra Bed or a Mattress within a Double room, to make up for the separate bed.
Room availability in India is getting saturated due to heavy demands from the tourism industry,
international Fairs and Congresses and due to these constant Sold-Out situations the hotels are
applying the cancellation rules more stringently and once the reservation is guaranteed then the same
is subject to full cancellation charges If you decide to not to use the same. We also recommend you to
make necessary insurance to protect yourself against this.
Additional service, if any, during the trip have to be paid by the clients.
Please feel free for any further clarification or information
that you may require on our Tour proposal
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